Brick and masonry pavers are a durable, attractive way to enhance the aesthetics of your property. They are also extremely versatile. You can use them for a variety of purposes and customize their color to suit your style. However, to ensure a long-lasting, attractive design, you must ensure proper installation and finishing.
First, you must lay a foundation of sand. The sand will help keep the pavers in place. Once the base has been laid, you can start laying the pavers. When you’re ready, you can use a rubber mallet to tamp the sand down to a level surface. For larger projects, you can also use a masonry compactor.
Another option for paving a driveway is concrete pavers. These pavers are ideal for light-duty applications and offer an interesting alternative to heavy-duty interlocking pavers. Additionally, they come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. You can even choose pavers that mimic natural products, such as flagstone or slate. Another advantage of concrete is the fact that you can mix and match different colors and finishes to create a stunning, unique look.
The next step in laying a masonry paved driveway or walkway is to cut the pavers to fit on the line. You may need to make two passes to seat the pavers. You can also use a masonry pencil to mark the edges of the sidewalk and cut them accordingly. These steps should be completed by a professional contractor, who will then use a masonry saw to finish the job.
Another method is to use a mortar set system. This method is considered the most permanent one. It involves a concrete base, a drainage layer, and a thin layer of aggregate. You can then place the pavers over the concrete slab. Once the slab is finished, you can use either a thick bed method or a bonded thin bed method to install the pavers. Unlike concrete pavers, mortar set pavers need very little maintenance in the long run and have the lowest lifecycle cost.
If you prefer a more rustic look, you can opt for brick pavers. Bricks are made from clay and are rectangular in shape. They come in a few sizes. Due to their manufacturing process, bricks are prone to dimension variance. Furthermore, bricks are more difficult to install and have a high risk of chipping and cracking under heavy traffic.
Brick pavers are durable and do not need much maintenance. They do not require painting, water repellants, or sealants, and are environmentally friendly. They can be recycled and reused. However, they cost about 15% to 20% more than concrete pavers. However, they have a long life span and are an excellent option for any home.
A concrete floor can be costly, so you might want to look at stamped concrete or masonry pavers as a lower-cost option. Although these two options are not as durable as concrete, both are long-lasting. In general, stamped concrete and masonry pavers are made from cement-based aggregates and water, and can last for years.